Despite what Kelly says, Vick believes 'it's still my team'

Apr. 17, 2013
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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick runs with the ball during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium last September. Vick believes he'll be the starting quarterback under new coach Chip Kelly. / Matt Kartozian, USA TODAY Sports

by Jim Corbett, USA TODAY Sports

by Jim Corbett, USA TODAY Sports

PHILADELPHIA â?? One day after new Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly indicated that the No. 1 quarterback job is an open competition between Michael Vick and Nick Foles, Vick stated his case for continuing as Eagles starter.

Vick said he really clicked in Kelly's up-tempo, read-option attack during the second session of a three-day minicamp.

"Honestly, I just look at it as it's still my team, still my job,'' Vick said after splitting Wednesday's first-team snaps with Foles and Dennis Dixon. "I believe in myself and my abilities. I'm just excited I'm back in Philadelphia for another year. We have an opportunity to do some great things. I still feel like I have a lot to prove in this game.

"I'm trying to rejuvenate myself and really take advantage of the last couple of years I have.''

On Tuesday, Kelly insisted the quarterbacks were "even," and joked that the depth chart was "more like a seating chart." If that's the case, Vick believes he has the seat closest to the front of the classroom. When asked if Kelly's turbo-charged system fit his athletic skill set, Vick smiled.

"After the practice I had today, I think so,'' he said. "The offensive is very dynamic. This offense is up-tempo, fast-paced. It's something like I've never seen before.

"I felt I made a big jump from yesterday to today. I was very accurate today. Our defense did a great job and I was able to make some tight throws. It's a lot of read-option. That's what we do.''

Vick agreed to a one-year, restricted deal in February worth up to $10 million, with $3.5 million guaranteed. He said Wednesday the hiring of innovative Kelly in January was a determining factor.

"Watching what Oregon did the last couple of years, I was excited about giving it another shot,'' Vick said. "It's very refreshing. It's beautiful when it all comes together. I know from talking to Coach and getting to know him over the last three months, he's an awesome personality. He's going to make this a lot of fun for us. We understand that as players and we're excited.''

Vick laughed when asked if Foles, last year's third-round pick who is a more conventional pocket passer, could run the read option.

"I mean, Nick can run, he's got two legs,'' Vick said. "He can do it. We all can do it. That's why we're all here.''

Vick, who turns 33 on June 26, missed six games last season with a concussion and post-concussion symptoms and has been sidelined 11 games the last two seasons due to injuries. Many believe the read-option will expose him to more hits, but he wants to debunk that.

"The thing is, we don't have to take a hit,'' he said. "You'll understand why when you see us play. You don't have to take a hit. It's quicker reads and quicker decisions that need to be made, depending on what personnel we're in. There are so many different concepts and so many different ways to get guys the football, it's very refreshing for all of us.''

Vick, the oldest player on the Eagles roster, is 10-13 as a starter the past two seasons with 30 touchdown passes and 24 interceptions since earning 2010 Comeback Player of the Year honors.

The assumption is that, because of his speed, Vick would be the leading candidate to run Kelly's up-tempo spread offense, but Kelly refuted that following Tuesday's session.

"It's even, they both took reps with the ones,'' Kelly said, referencing Vick and Foles. "We're going to use the full time available to make a full evaluation. I think it fosters competition.''

While Kelly spoke tepidly about this year's quarterback class, it's possible his future quarterback is not on a roster he inherited from former coach Andy Reid. Among the prospects the Eagles have worked out and might consider with the fourth overall pick or the 35th overall pick in the second round are quarterbacks -- West Virginia's Geno Smith, Florida State's E.J. Manuel and Syracuse's Ryan Nassib.

"If they do (take a young quarterback), it's not going to affect me,'' Vick said. "I feel like being the oldest guy on the team, being the leader on our football team, it's important for me to bring the guys along. When I first sat down with Chip, the first thing he said, 'We've got to let our habits reflect our mission.'

"I think it starts with being a great leader. I understand that. I have to go out and be more consistent than what I've done.''

"We're only two days in, but Mike's done awesome,'' Celek said. "I'm sure all the coaches would tell you the same thing. He's picking everything up.''

Celek added that Foles and Dixon, acquired from the Baltimore Ravens this offseason, are also doing well.

"I think they're all doing good,'' Celek said. "Yeah, it's a totally new system. In some ways, it's easier on them. They don't have to call all the new plays out. I'm excited to see how this thing works in live action.''